Francis Allers

June 30, 1929-July 11, 2014

July 14, 2014

Francis Hubert Allers, 85, died on Friday, July 11, 2014, at Trinity Hospital in Minot.

Francis was born on June 30, 1929, in Endres (Max), to Nicholas and Agnes (Marx) Allers. He attended Garrison School, graduating in 1948.

On June 27, 1959, Francis married Catherine "Katie" Leach in Bismarck. They lived in Bismarck until 1963 when the railroad relocated them to Minot.

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Allers

Francis started working with the Soo Line Railroad shortly after graduation, telling his children that his starting salary was $7 a week. The railroad took Francis to various North Dakota cities including Wishek, Harvey and Bismarck and ending his 42-year career in Minot. He is also remembered for having a smile on his face at all times while on the job. Francis was proud to tell anyone that he gave 42 years to the Soo Line. After retirement Francis and Katie enjoyed their get-togethers with fellow retired railroaders and called themselves the "Broken Rails".

Francis was an active member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church where he served as altar server and always pitched in wherever help was needed. He was an honorary member in Katie's church group. He was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus Council 4894, where he was a 4th Degree Knight. In 1992, Francis and Katie were recognized as the Knights of Columbus Council 4894 Family of the Year. Francis was also a member of the Brotherhood of Railroad and Airline Clerks, where he was once their secretary. He was a member of the Holy Name Society. Starting in 1997, Francis and Katie volunteered as cooks for Our Lady of Grace Sonshine Youth Camp, creating delicious and nutritious meals for all the kids, specializing in elephant ears and root beer floats.

Francis felt it was important to instill a strong Catholic faith and Christian values in his children. Francis' four children attended Catholic elementary school and graduated from Bishop Ryan Catholic School. Francis and Katie were always eager volunteers for any activity that supported Catholic school, the Ryan Auction, making St. Leo's donuts, and were an integral part of organizing and running the Bishop Ryan Carnival. Because of their dedication to Bishop Ryan, they were awarded the "R" award which is given to those who go above and beyond for the betterment of the school.

His children and grandchildren have many fond memories of their loving father and grandfather, many being at the lake cabin: Francis in his straw hat, overalls, and boots; the swing breaking on him, putting fireworks under his chair, friends and fires; and time spent with Dee and Marj, lifelong friends who owned the cabin next door; but most of all Dad's root beer floats. Many Saturdays were spent in the small kitchen with a pot of mom's soup and caramel rolls cooking. They also remember the many trips up and down the stairs that Francis made getting ingredients for Katie as she cooked and baked in her kitchen.

Francis' strong faith was also passed down to his grandchildren. Six of his grandchildren graduated from Bishop Ryan; one is currently attending. His grandchildren loved the time spent with their grandfather: being picked up from school, rides in the car with grandma driving, grandpa in the backseat and them in the front, and showing them his treasures.

Francis is survived by his daughters, Mary Storbeck of Minot, Patty Allers of McKinney, Texas, Sara (JP) Kasper of Minot and his son, Jim (Katy) of Minot; sisters, Delores (Walt) Broxmeyer of Bismarck, Teresa Wagner of Arizona, and Mary (Al) Berger of Bismarck. He is also survived by his grandchildren, whom he and Katie called the "Magnificent Seven." They include Brandon and Megan Storbeck, Ryan (Leah), Aaron, and Kelly Kasper, and Amber and Tyler Allers. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Katie, and son-in-law Fred Storbeck.